Just Ask the Question Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Just Ask the Press - Trump makes it personal again! Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the personal vendettas of Donald Trump, the evolving dynamics of his relationship with Elon Musk, and the successes of litigation against the Trump administration. The conversation highlights the politicization of national security and the media's role in shaping political narratives, while also addressing the challenges faced by Congress in investigating powerful figures like Musk. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various political themes, including the importance of language in communication, the dynamics of public sentiment towards political figures, and the implications of Trump's cultural warfare. They also delve into the controversy surrounding Trump's self-appointment as the Kennedy Center Chair and the need for nuanced political perspectives in a polarized environment. The discussion highlights the challenges and complexities of contemporary politics, emphasizing the need for understanding and communication across party lines.

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Just Ask the Press - Trump, Musk, and the future of the free world Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the latest news, including Elon Musk's controversial access to federal data, the implications of Trump's trade war, and the changing dynamics of media access within the Department of Defense. The conversation highlights concerns over national security, the potential impact of Trump's policies on his supporters, and the broader implications of these developments for democracy and governance. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the ongoing political targeting within the FBI, the implications of revealing the identities of agents involved in politically sensitive cases, and the intimidation tactics being employed against them. They also explore the lack of due process in disciplinary actions against FBI personnel, the scrubbing of health information related to DEI policies, and the broader implications of extreme political discourse in America.

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Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - Trump: The First 100 Days Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

A preview of things to come. Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss what could happen in Donald Trump's First One Hundred Days in office.

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - Wildfires, Carter, and Trump 2.0 Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem and his guests discuss the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the federal response, and the misinformation surrounding the crisis. They reflect on the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, highlighting the themes of decency and hope. The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's sentencing, examining the implications of his legal challenges and the political landscape as he prepares for a potential return to the presidency. The conversation delves into the recent resignation of Jack Smith from the Justice Department, the implications of this event for Trump and the ongoing legal battles, and the dynamics of the Trump-Smith narrative. It also critiques Biden's recent press conference, highlighting communication failures and the press's frustrations. The discussion anticipates Trump's upcoming executive orders and their potential impact, concluding with light-hearted Super Bowl predictions.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

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This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - 2024 year-end review! Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

In this year-end review, host Brian Karem and guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid reflect on the major stories of 2024, including the legacy of Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump's legal challenges, the assassination of a healthcare CEO, parental responsibility in school shootings, the influence of billionaires in politics, and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party. They also discuss the unprecedented political power of Elon Musk and the potential future relationship between Musk and Trump. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the most under-reported stories of the year, the challenges faced by the media in reporting on Biden's health, the changing landscape of media consumption influenced by Trump, and predictions for 2025. They highlight the impact of civil lawfare, the media's struggle to report on sensitive topics, and the evolving nature of news consumption in the digital age.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - Chaos in Congress: Trump, Musk, and the Budget Battle Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, review a tumultuous week in politics. They discuss the recent government shutdown that was averted, the influence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Congress, and the challenges facing the new Speaker of the House. The conversation also touches on Biden's absence during critical negotiations and the implications for the Democratic Party. Additionally, they explore the state of journalism in light of Trump's legal threats against the press, highlighting the chilling effect on media reporting. The conversation delves into the implications of anti-SLAPP legislation, the impact of litigation on media and journalism, concerns regarding the mental acuity of GOP leadership, the fallout from health issues in Congress, and the media's handling of the recent drone sightings. The speakers discuss the challenges faced by journalists in the current political climate, the hypocrisy within Congress regarding mental health, and the transient nature of media coverage on sensational topics like drones.

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - Drone mania, Pardon bonanza, and finding the middle Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with national security expert Mark Zaid and chief White House correspondent John T. Bennett, delve into the pressing issues of the week, including the mysterious drone sightings in the Northeast and the recent wave of pardons and clemency granted by President Biden. The conversation explores the implications of these drone sightings on national security, the lack of transparency from the government, and the complexities surrounding the pardons, particularly in relation to political figures and their potential legal ramifications. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the communication failures of the Biden administration, the Democrats' strategy in response to Trump, and the anticipated shift in foreign policy with Trump's return. They emphasize the need for moderation and bipartisanship in a polarized political landscape, reflecting on personal experiences and the importance of unity moving forward.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Hal Sparks - Legislating transparency in the digital age Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Brian Karem and Hal Sparks delve into the complexities of media's influence on politics, the challenges posed by social media, and the need for transparency in online interactions. They discuss the implications of AI on society, the current political climate, and strategies for navigating conversations across political divides. Sparks emphasizes the importance of questioning and understanding the nuances in political discourse, while also addressing the societal challenges that arise from a polarized environment.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Follow Brian's Salon articles!

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Just Ask the Press - Murder, Pardons, and Cabinet confirmations Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem and guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett discuss significant news events of the week, including the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, societal reactions to violence, and the implications of populism in American politics. They also delve into Cash Patel's legal threats against Olivia Troy and the potential future of Trump's administration, highlighting concerns about anarchy and the normalization of extreme actions in political discourse. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the overwhelming presence of Donald Trump in political discourse, the challenges of navigating nominations in the Senate and House, and the dynamics of power between these two chambers. They delve into the legislative challenges ahead, particularly with a slim majority, and the implications of Biden's recent pardons for his son, Hunter Biden, on his credibility. The conversation concludes with a critique of the Biden administration's communication strategies and the optics surrounding recent political decisions.

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Just Ask the Press - Kash Patel, Charles Kushner, and Elon Musk, oh my! Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with national security expert Mark Zaid and editor John T. Bennett, delve into the week's significant political news. They discuss the controversial nomination of Kash Patel as FBI Director, exploring his background and the implications for the rule of law. The conversation then shifts to Charles Kushner's appointment as ambassador to France, highlighting his criminal past and the political motivations behind his nomination. The episode emphasizes the potential impact on the media and law enforcement under the new administration. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of the upcoming inauguration, focusing on the potential retaliation against whistleblowers and the legal preparations being made. They also delve into Elon Musk's controversial comments regarding treason and the broader political climate, highlighting the desensitization of the public to political turmoil and the potential consequences of this shift in perception.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast

Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.